Faculty and Staff Research

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Jumping worms, community science and course-based undergraduate research experiences
(University of Minnesota Extension, 2022) Kressin, Olivia; Gupta, Angela; Olson, Rachel
● Inclusion of undergraduates in authentic research is an effective tool to increase interest and competency in a research career. ● Not all undergraduate students are able to participate in these formal research opportunities. ● To expand the connection of undergraduate students with researchers and educators, a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) was developed to engage students through their undergraduate institution. ● This CURE provided undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), an opportunity to participate in ongoing environmental and community-based research and increase their interest, familiarity and confidence in research. ● A collaboration was formed between UMR, the University of Minnesota Extension and the Rochester, MN community. ● Students investigated the microbial community of soils with and without invasive jumping worms.
Biofilter design information
(2020) Schmidt, David; Jacobson, Larry; Nicolai, David
Odor emissions from livestock and poultry facilities are a source of contention in many areas of Minnesota and across the United States. Under certain conditions odor emissions have been known to affect neighbors and communities at distances of a mile or more from the odor source. One odor control technology that has been shown to be both economical and effective is a biofilter. Biofiltration can reduce odor and hydrogen sulfide emissions from livestock and poultry facilities by as much as 95% and ammonia by 65%. This method of odor control has been used in industry for many years and was recently adapted for use in livestock and poultry systems. Biofilters are most easily adapted to mechanically ventilated buildings or on the pit fans of naturally ventilated buildings. Biofilters can also treat air vented from covered manure storage covers.
Invasive species blitz impact analysis
(University of Minnesota Extension, 2016) Wood, Christian; Gupta, Angela
Between 2013 and 2016, the Master Naturalist Invasive Blitz advanced training program engaged participants from across Minnesota on how to identify and manage invasive species in order to address the growing threat of invasives. An impact analysis of the program was performed using data self-reported to the Minnesota Master Naturalist website by Invasive Blitz participants. These data were summarized with descriptive statistics, including totals and averages. In addition, service event data were correlated with zip codes to determine the geographic impact of the program. Results of the data analysis suggest a broad program impact. Over the course of the program, 128 students participated in eleven trainings. After taking the training, these participants engaged in 434 service events across 30 Minnesota counties, totaling 1,197 service hours and impacting an estimated 9,582 acres of land. Based on the program budget of $7,050 and the economic value of service performed by participants of $27,614.79, the cost-benefit ratio of the program was 1:4. Data are limited due to the fact that 30% of Invasive Blitz participants did not report service. Nevertheless, this analysis suggests that the program succeeded in promoting invasive species education and intervention statewide. In terms of broader application, this analysis also provides evidence of the potential impact of invasive-species-related education for natural resource professionals to reference in their own work.
External revenue and partnerships to sustain a forest landowner education program
(University of Minnesota Extension, 2007) Gupta, Angela; Reichenbach, Michael; Sagor, Eli
The Woodland Advisor program moved from a cohort to an open model in 2003. This created partnerships, expanded delivery, and increased external revenues. Classes now have flexible content and schedules, participant feedback focuses new electives, and marketing and volunteer support increased. Business tools also focus activities and identify growth areas.
Using external revenue and partnerships to sustain an Extension forestry program
(University of Minnesota Extension, 2006) Gupta, Angela; Reichenbach, Michael; Sagor, Eli
The Woodland Advisor program moved from a cohort participation model to an open model in 2003. This change created new partnerships, expanded delivery capacity, and increased external revenues. Classes now offered have flexible class content and schedules, new electives are created from participant feedback, and program marketing and volunteer support have been increased. Additionally, more business tools are used to help focus activities and identify areas of potential growth.
A Tool to measure implementation of food pantry transformations
(University of Minnesota, 2018) Bohen, Laura; Canterbury, Marna; Gordon, Nora; Grannon, Kate; Hesse, Nathan; Bain, Jamie; Schmidt, Sarah; Riley, Elizabeth; Caspi, Caitlin
SNAP-Ed Educators Combine Direct Nutrition Education with Community-Based Healthy Food Access Parternerships: Lessons Learned from Two Minnesota Communities
(2015-11) Bohen, Laura; Genske, Carmen; Krentz, Mary; Hakes, Stephanie; Baack, Amy
Growth performance and carcass quality of pigs housed in hoop barns fed diets containing alternative ingredients
(2004) Johnston, Lee J.; Morrison, Rebecca
Raising pigs in large groups in deep bedded hoop barns is receiving increased attention from producers and consumers interested in systems that are perceived to provide improved welfare for pigs. Unfortunately, these systems usually produce pigs that are fatter than similar pigs raised in conventional confinement housing systems. So, our objectives were to determine if dietary manipulation may be a useful tool for controlling increased carcass fat often observed in pigs raised in hoop barns and to assess the effect of housing and feeding system on pork quality. Specifically, we wanted to determine if a diet based on alternative grains (AG; barley, oats, buckwheat, field peas, and expeller soybean meal) would decrease carcass fatness and support growth performance of pigs housed in hoop barns (H) similar to pigs fed diets based on corn and soybean meal (CS) that were housed in an environmentally-controlled confinement barn (C).
The Impacts of a Civic Engagement Cohort Program for Water Quality Professionals
(Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, 2018-08) Kallestad, Elizabeth; Chazdon, Scott; Bohn, Hannah
In this article, researchers report the impact study results of University of Minnesota Extension’s civic engagement for water quality cohort program. The cohort curriculum highlights Extension’s researchinformed, five-stage civic engagement model emphasizing process design and process management. Using a non-random comparison group design, a survey was conducted with participants of three civic engagement cohorts for water quality professionals, as well as a comparison group of water quality professionals not part of a cohort. Survey results were aggregated into the five stages of Extension’s civic engagement process: prepare, inquire, analyze, synthesize, and act together. Findings indicated cohort participants experienced significantly better results than members of the comparison group in four of the five stages. A strength of Extension’s civic engagement model and curriculum is its emphasis on the collective nature and processual aspects of civic engagement work. Cohort participants received training on civic engagement skills, which are not often emphasized in education for water quality professionals. While both groups reported a high frequency of increased civic engagement skills, cohort participants did not report more frequent collaboration or public engagement behaviors than comparison group members. A challenge for those training water quality professionals is instilling the value of civic engagement skills in addition to the more traditional technical skill sets associated with water quality work. Additionally, ongoing training and organizational support is needed for practitioners to effectively implement new skills and leverage new networks.
Youth-Engagement Statewide Initiative
(2010-08)
Minnesota Parents & Youth Want Afterschool Opportunities
(2008-05-01) Blyth, Dale A.
In 2008, The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development, working with Wilder Research, conducted phone interviews with over 1600 parents and 800 7th - 12th grade youth around the state about afterschool programs.
2008 Farm Bill Update: Conservation and Energy Programs
(2009-01) Anderson, Greg; Flynn, Paul; Noty, Lisa; Current, Dean; Hachfeld, Gary; Nichols, Luke; Sackett, Jill; Wilsey, Dave; Wyatt, Gary; Zamora, Diomy
The 2008 Farm Bill contains updated and new conservation programs to protect soil, water, air and wildlife resources while offering economic incentives for landowners and farmers. It also provides for additional energy programs which encourage landowner production and community development of bio-energy feedstocks and bio-industrial systems.
Small Farms Initiative
(2010) Arlt, Timothy; Wieland, Betsy; Winter, Nathan; Carlson, Brad; Martens, Dan; Haugen-Brown, Tana; Herzfeld, Dean; Foord, Karl; Wilsey, David; Martin, Wayne; Waters, Katherine; Kieser, Laura; Nelson, Beth; Gustafson, Kent; Postels, Brenda
Establish the infrastructure for a vibrant Small Farms initiative to address the growing number of small farms in Minnesota. This includes publications, curriculums, events, activities, communications, web resources, and staff and professional development. This project will also work to identify potential funding sources and partners.
Riparian Forest Buffers for Trout Habitat Improvement
(2010-06-30) Bongard, Phyllis; Wyatt, Gary; Nerbonne, Brian
Creating an educational program that promotes the benefits of riparian forest buffers. The approach includes developing educational materials based on a literature review and establishing a demonstration on an existing DNR-designated trout stream, the Vermillion River in Dakota County.
Online Diagnostics & Recommendations for Tree Health
(2010-07) Grabowski, Michelle; Hahn, Jeffrey D.; Johnson, Gary
Developing a suite of online diagnostic tools to help identify insect, disease and abiotic tree problems for the 20 most commonly grown trees in Minnesota. This site will be useful to homeowners, gardeners, woodlot owners and tree care professionals.
Nutrient Pathways to Stocking Lake: Investigating Phosphorus Sources from Septic Systems, Shorelands, and Agricultural Fields from a Sub-watershed Perspective
(2010-06-30) Terry, Karen; Brown, Laurie; Rosen, Carl
This project will develop and test an integrated model to address water quality issues related to phosphorus in lakes, using a sub-watershed approach. Phosphorus sources from shoreland properties, septic systems and agricultural lands will be identified, and BMPs to decrease phosphorus inputs will be developed and shared with watershed residents.
Listening, Learning and Responding: Community-University Partnerships in Minnesota Indian Country
(University of Minnesota Extension, 2010) Martenson, Diana; Newman, Dawn; Zak, Deborah
The University of Minnesota Extension American Indian Task Force (AITF) was established by the Dean of Extension in 2006 to improve representation and access of American Indian communities to the University. The interdisciplinary task force listened to and learned from community members by visiting and building relationships on five northern MN tribal nations. As a result, four tribal representatives joined the task force. Staff development for task force members and University staff was provided, leading to community-university partnerships coupling community interests with university expertise and resources. Six educators were hired to work with Tribes in northern Minnesota, providing culturally-specific programs, pursuing interdisciplinary work, and fostering sustainable community-university partnerships. Extension’s $10,000 annual commitment to the AITF operating fund for three years helped leverage over $460,000 in additional funding. The poster was selected through a peer review process for presentation at the Community-Campus Partnerships for Health 11th Conference in Portland, Oregon May 12-15, 2010.